Dennis (centre) on the podium
81 year old Dennis Wraight took M80 gold in both the 5000m and the 1500m at this year’s Balkan Veteran Games. He took just 25:55.36 to complete the 5000m, and 7:03.70 for the metric mile. (Many veterans several decades younger would be happy to achieve those times!) This ranks him top M80 in the UK this year for the 5000m, and second for the 1500m. The event changes venue each year, and after competing in Serbia in 2016 and Bulgaria in 2017, Dennis had the pleasure – and convenience – of competing in Slovenia this year, where he now lives.
Dennis leading the race
Earlier this year, he also competed over 3000m, clocking 15.33.20 in Sentjernej. This would also rank him top in the UK at this distance.
Dennis will be over in the UK in November, and hopes to join us at Northala Fields parkrun on the 10th.